Odd to get even reviews

Sonic Cathedral (Pacific Prof 2016-10-21)

Synergy Protocol, a metal symphonic band from Utrecht, Netherlands, are about to release their debut album Odd to Get Even, on November 19th. The band is made up of Laura Martinez, on vocals; Wim Smits, on bass; Maarten ‘Big M’ Heeringa, on guitar and backing vocals; Mark Roelofs, on guitar, and backing vocals; and Patrick van Mourik, on drums. Synergy Protocol introduce keyboards and orchestration into their symphonic metal productions in order to create a progressive feeling for the music. But, don’t confuse this with traditional progressive rock music, it is metal, first and foremost.

The opener, “In the Name Of”, is an interesting commentary on the current state of affairs in the world. The lyrics discuss the religious distortion of fanatical followers. The keyboard opening is an excellent original theme, and it is followed by heavy metal power chords, bass and drums. The music is followed by Laura Martinez first vocals. She sounds great, but not as unique and multi - dimensional as Marcela Bovio, who she may emulate. She sounds more like Tarja Turnen, only without the seeming ability to soften her vocal delivery. At over 11 minutes, this track has allot of powerful music to appreciate.

On “Flashback”, we get a better presentation of vocals. Martinez’s vocals are supported on the chorus by Roelofs and Heeringa, and it really helps the delivery and sound. When they sing that first line of the chorus, “As the dusk is arriving, can’t fight my memory”, you can hear the power of teamwork.

“Clockwise” opens with a reminder of classic Pink Floyd “Time”, clocks ringing. Unfortunately, Martinez screams during much of this track. When she is singing naturally, she sounds great. Her almost spoken vocals are great too. It is when she screams, that you want to turn down the volume. Unfortunately you miss the excellent music as well. The guitar and keyboard work that follows is fantastic.

“Just a Man” opens with a rhythm that took me back to memories of Jon and Vangelis, for about five seconds. Then Martinez enters, screaming, instead of singing the lyrics. Immediately the spirit is broken. The music is good and I want to hear more, but she is screaming all over the intricate guitar and keyboards. Thankfully she takes a break around the three minute mark, and I can hear some sounds that remind me of Collins – era Genesis. When Martinez returns she is singing, not screaming. Perfect. Then they give the band a few minutes to show off, and they fill the time well.

“Flight from Terra”, is probably the best song on the album. The image of Martinez standing on the edge of some cliff singing softly is picturesque as you listen to “Now we’re on a Flight from Terra. On a search for fertile land. The future’s in our captain’s hands”. A powerful song in search of the Earth that once was, or a new world with unlocked potential. On this song, Matinez sounds tough, without blistering your ears...well...at least not until the end.

“Final Chaos” opens with a perfect vocal chorus which almost makes up for the vocal mistakes earlier on the album. The Dream Theater like music is excellent. Then Martinez returns, this time yelling, which is much better than screaming any day. Now she sounds powerful. Yes chaos.

“Puppet on a String” is the band’s first song brought to video. The video is an interesting story of someone reaching beyond death to haunt their nemisis. Martinez’ voice rises to the level of a Tarja Turnen, at times. The Dream Theater similarities are uncanny throughout this track, making it my album favorite.

The epic title and closing song, “Odd to Get Even”, opens with some spectacular keyboards and electric guitar innovations. Martinez opens with good, well directed vocals. The second longest track on the album, over 10 minutes, but less than the 11 minute opener.

The musicianship is solid throughout this album. It is not as multi – dimensional as the peers they emulate. Yes, it sounds like Dream Theater, only this time with a female singer. But a true fan can tell the difference between imitation, which is not necessarily bad, and the real thing. After all Dream Theater cannot be making albums constantly and indefinitely. Is this the band to take Dream Theater’s place in the future? Maybe, but change is necessary. Stop the screaming vocals and sing naturally. Play some melody and true progressive rhythms. Listen to some true progressive rock. King Crimson, ELP, Genesis before Phil Collins…listen to how the deep lyrics, story – telling, and multi – dimensional music can be more powerful than screaming and blasting away at the electric guitar and drums. Or, even better, listen to one of your kindred spirits and fellow countrymen, Arjen Lucassen’s productions. Power and thought – provoking music mixed well with a storyline and natural effects from the world around us, which will set your music apart from the many bands doing similar things within the genre.

The cover artwork is great, promising a unique gift to enjoy. A good debut, with some excellent musical and vocal talent which I hope will live up to their promise over time. (8.5/10)

PlanetMosh (Paul Lynam 2016-09-21)

The debut album from Dutch band Synergy Protocol is certainly not an album comprised of disposable, mindless tracks. No, this is heavy, symphonic progressive rock with all the Gothic and Classical influences that this brings with it. ‘Odd To Get Even‘ is a collection of hard edged songs that sound like they are being played by a band with plenty of experience under their collective belts.

The musicianship on the album is absolutely top class; each and every band member an accomplished player and they are gifted with an equally strong lead vocalist in Laura Martinez, whose range is fantastic and always sounds effortless. The production on the album leaves space for all instruments to shine through, and they take every opportunity to do so.

As you would expect with a progressive rock band, the songs are all on the lengthy side with plenty of complex arrangements and time changes. This doesn’t have the effect of making it one dimensional, as tracks like ‘Just A Man’ prove. Just when I thought I had Synergy Protocol figured out they throw in dance beats and synths and make this one of the best tracks on the album.

‘Final Chaos’ isn’t too far behind it, sounding absolutely epic, with plenty of melody and quite a hook in it that really bites hard. ‘Puppet On A String’ is possibly the most commercial and easily accessible song on the album, all layered vocals, intricate guitars, and keyboards always just beneath the surface.

Overall this is an album that took quite a few spins to get me hooked and even then it was by playing it loud through speakers and dispensing with ear buds. I expect good things from this band if they continue to build on this strong album and continue in this vein. Think Dream Theater with helpings of Delain and Epica and this will give you a flavour of what to expect. Do yourself a favour and check Synergy Protocol out, you may well be pleasantly surprised.

Merchants of air (Serge Timmers 2016-09-13)

Aah, The Dutch, is there any musical genre they can't put their mark on? True, they are responsible for some of the most horrifying schlagers in the world and their gabber-scene is pretty much the weirdest drugs-infused scene I've ever witnessed, but introduce them to analog instruments, dress them in metal shirts and they suddenly turn into brilliant and innovative musicians. The Dutch have a solid history in female fronted symphonic and progressive metal. Bands like The Gathering, Within Temptation, Delain, Epica, After Forever and Stream Of Passion are highly acclaimed acts in the metal scene, and it seems like a new star is looming.

Their band name is Synergy Protocol. They formed in 2013 in Utrecht. Their front woman, Laura Martinez, is gifted vocalist who can write some complex vocal lines, which fit well with the progressive and equally complex music, written by seasoned musicians. On the other hand, they can also write strong pop rock songs if they want to. 'Odd To Get Even' is their debut but judging from what I'm listening to at the moment, there must have been years of experience before Synergy Protocol eventually started.

The album contains eight songs, loaded with complex riffs, epic synths, brilliant build-ups and plenty of surprising elements (even including a few dance beats). The whole thing reminds me of something between Dream Theater, Thought Industry and Lacuna Coil. That being said, the progressive nature obviously results in pretty long songs with plenty of variation and often astonishing musical craftsmanship. My favorite track is 'Just A Man', which made me realize how ingenious this whole thing really is. The interplay of keyboards, drums and guitars is is often quite fascinating.

'Final Chaos' is another brilliant piece of music, perfectly combining intricate riffing with eighties hard rock. Doro came to mind on this one, which is not a bad reference at all. 'Puppet On A String' (not a cover) is probably the most radio-friendly, and poppy, song on this album. It got me tapping along with my feet (which makes writing this review harder since the keyboard is resting on my knees). The whole album actually pleasantly surprised me. I'm not really a fan of progressive metal but this simply is an excellent album, varied, immersive and catchy enough to remain interesting for the entire duration. So check it out, I'm sure you'll encounter these people very soon at a stage near you...

Live reviews

Metal Nation Radio (2015-05-09 - Boerderij - in English)

Lords Of Metal (2015-05-09 - Boerderij - in Dutch)

Maxazine webzine (2015-05-09 - Boerderij - in Dutch)

Mcsharq.nl (2015-05-09 - Boerderij - in Dutch)

Old demo reviews

Progwereld.Org

Mario van Os

Metal from NL eZine

Band: Synergy Protocol

Geschreven door: Richard Snijder

Score: 85

Favo Song: Final Chaos